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New AMs’ expenses system proposed (From South Wales Argus)
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New AMs’ expenses system proposed
7:30pm Monday 6th July 2009
Proposals for a new pay and expenses system for AMs will be published today.
An independent panel appointed by the Assembly's authorities will unveil recommendations for what AMs should receive.
Expenses claims for last year were published online last week, showing almost £6,500 of taxpayers' money was spent on furniture and electrical goods for AMs' second homes.
They claimed more than £230,000 for mortgages and rent, nearly £50,000 for meals and subsistence, and £4,500 for air travel.
Monthly updates will be posted on the Assembly's website from October.
The panel was set up last year after AMs were awarded a controversial 8.3% pay rise to recognise their growing workload and law-making responsibilities.
It has been taking evidence on all aspects of financial support, including pay and allowances for travel, accommodation, constituency offices and support staff.
Its chairman, Swansea University pro-chancellor Sir Roger Jones, angered some AMs in December when he questioned whether they offered value for money.
AMs can claim up to £15,135 to run their offices and up to £13,115 for second homes if they live far from Cardiff. Those whose main home is within or close to the city can claim £4,135 on accommodation for overnight stays on Assembly business.
But AMs cannot indulge in the practice of flipping homes which has caused so much outrage in Westminster.
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Your Say YourGwent
Owain Vaughan, Newport, Monmouthshire says...
8:42am Tue 7 Jul 09
Javez, Crosskeys, Gwent says...
1:05pm Tue 7 Jul 09
Office/staff expenses are reasonable, as it's needed to do the job. However, surely that should be funded directly, not claimed by the AM themselves.
As for accomodation - isn't the new assembly building huge? Surely there's room in there for a series of Japanese business hotel style accomodations for those unavoidable overnight stays? You know - small room with a bed, shower, desk, phone and net-point.
After all, the Japanese businessmen make do with such - and they thrive. Productivity isn't affected at all by where you sleep.
New AMs’ expenses system proposed
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Pants, Pontypool says...
9:53pm Mon 6 Jul 09
Otherwise put them all up in a dormer. for the nights they stay "too late to travel home".
If the taxpayer is funding a second home, then the taxpayer should get the profits, once its sold. No AM, MP or MEP should gain from expenses, these are supposed to be for out of pocket expenses and not a form of income.